NASCAR changes qualifying amid drivers' safety concerns

Mar. 11, 2014
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The Associated Press

by Nate Ryan, USA TODAY Sports

by Nate Ryan, USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR responded Tuesday to driver trepidation about its new knockout qualifying sessions, allowing teams to have cooling systems in the pits Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Cooldown laps also won't be allowed during group qualifying on the 0.533-mile oval, which is the second shortest on the circuit and was expected to get dicey with 43 drivers making laps during the first of three sessions Friday. Teams will be allowed to cool their engines via units that are attached through flaps in the hood, which can't be raised during group qualifying because adjustments aren't allowed. Teams also won't be permitted to plug in generators, and two crew members (up from one) will be allowed over the wall for driver support.

"The qualifying is new to all of us and as we have said over the past several weeks, we are looking at it from all aspects," vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said in a statement. "Following discussions, both internally and with others in the garage area, we moved quickly to make a few revisions that will be effective starting with our two national series events at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend.

"We believe this will only enhance and improve what has demonstrated to be an exciting form of qualifying for our fans, competitors and others involved with the sport. Moving forward we will continue to look at it and address anything else that we may need to as the season unfolds."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. had posted on Twitter that he was "most concerned/excited/worried" about the new format at Bristol, echoing the safety concerns that arose during the first two races since group qualifying made its 2014 debut.

At Phoenix International Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, several drivers voiced concerns about the disparity in speeds between cars making qualifying laps and those running slowly to cool down the engine for another attempt. Joey Logano's Vegas pole-winning lap averaged 193.278 mph on the 1.5-mie oval, which was more than 100 mph faster than the cars running on the apron.

Brian Vickers said the practice "was the most dangerous thing I've ever done in racing" but was necessary to post a fast lap. Clint Bowyer said his No. 15 Toyota nearly collided with Dale Earnhardt Jr.' No. 88 Chevrolet when NASCAR's most popular driver was traveling 140 mph slower.

"We've got to do it, it's the only way to keep the engine cool," Vickers said. "(Reed Sorenson) went by me at 170 mph faster than I was going. Had he slipped or hit me, I'd be done. It would be so bad."

NASCAR announced the changes during a conference call Tuesday with crew chiefs. This was the second time in three weeks that NASCAR held met with crew chiefs about group qualifying, but the first discussion prior to the March 2 race at Phoenix was to review procedures.